July Current Affairs

JULY 19

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

India reports a record 93% DPT3 immunisation coverage in 2022: WHO: The Hindu –
Page 12

Why is it in news?

The coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and
tetanus vaccines, in India rose to an all¬-time of 93% in 2022, surpassing
the previous pre¬-pandemic best of 91% recorded in 2019, and also
marking a sharp increase from the 85% recorded in 2021, the World Health
Organization (WHO) has said.

UPSC SYLLABUS
RELEVANCE for
prelims and Mains

Prelims: General Science

Mains: General Studies II – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Important concepts

DPT

Prelims PYQ Exercise-Find answer:

Q. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (2016)

(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Tetanus is acquired through infection of a cut or wound with the spores of the fungi
Clostridium tetani.

2. Pertussis spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by
coughing or sneezing.

Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Tetanus is acquired through infection of a cut or wound with the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, and most cases occur within 14 days of infection. Pertussis spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

What is Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DPT)?
Diphtheria:

Cause – Diphtheria is primarily caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Symptoms – Common cold, fever, chills, swollen gland in neck, sore throat, bluish skin etc.
Spread – It is mainly spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone
infected.
Target Population – Diphtheria particularly affects children aged 1 to 5 years.
Occurrence of diphtheria cases in under-five children reflects low coverage of primary
diphtheria vaccination.

Tetanus:

Cause – Tetanus is acquired through infection of a cut or wound with the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, and most cases occur within 14 days of infection.
Transmission – Tetanus cannot be transmitted from person to person
Prevention – Tetanus can be prevented through immunization with Tetanus-ToxoidContaining Vaccines (TTCV).
However, people who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.
Symptoms – Jaw cramping or the inability to open the mouth. muscle spasms often in the back, abdomen and extremities. sudden painful muscle spasms often triggered by sudden noises. Seizures.

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July 10

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

Objections overruled, Forest Bill goes to House unchanged:

Why is it in news?

A parliamentary committee, set up to examine the controversial proposed amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, has endorsed the amendment Bill in its entirety.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims:
• Environment and Ecology.

Mains:
• General Studies-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Important concepts
• Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

PRELIMS PYQ EXERCISE – FIND ANSWER

Q. Consider the following statements:
1. As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboo grown in forest areas.
2. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
3. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A] 1 and 2 only
B] 2 and 3 only
C] 3 only
D] 1, 2 and 3

TODAY’S PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Consider the following statements about the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023:
1. The Bill seeks to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which was enacted to ensure that India’s forest land is not usurped for non-forestry purposes.
2. There is a proposal to change the name of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam.
Which among the statements mentioned above is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: A

Explanation:
• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to amend the pivotal Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which was enacted to ensure that India’s forest land is not wantonly usurped for non-forestry purposes. There is a proposal to change the name of the 1980 law from the Forest (Conservation) Act to the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, which translates to Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Act.

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JULY 18

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

Delhi dispute: SC may send case to Constitution Bench: The Hindu – Page 1,8

Why is it in news?

The Supreme Court recently said it may refer the Delhi government’s petition against a Central Ordinance, which effectively gives power over civil services in the national capital to the Lieutenant-Governor, to a Constitution Bench for an authoritative pronouncement.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance

Mains: General Studies II – Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges there in.

Important concepts

National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 Article 239AA

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q.Consider the following statements about Delhi:

Entry 41 in the state list deals with the State’s power over the “State public services and the State Public Service Commission”.
Article 239 AA was inserted in the Constitution following the recommendations of the Jaydev Singh Committee.

Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The Chief Justice observed that the effective transfer of power over the civil services amounted to nullifying Entry 41 of the State List of the Constitution. Entry 41 in the state list deals with the State’s power over the “State public services and the State Public Service Commission”. Article 239 AA was inserted in the Constitution by the Constitution (69th Amendment) Act, 1991 to give Special Status to Delhi following the recommendations of the S Balakrishnan Committee that was set up to look into demands for statehood for Delhi.

Mains PYQ exercise:

Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that had led to recent reported conflicts between the selected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics. (2016)

Today’s mains practice question:

Analyse the impacts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 on the administration in Delhi.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023:

Promulgation of the Ordinance:

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 was promulgated by the President in May 2023 to provide for a comprehensive scheme of administration of services in Delhi.
The ordinance came after the Supreme Court handed over the control of services in Delhi, excluding police, public order and land, to the elected government.
The May 11 judgment of a Constitution Bench led by the Chief Justice had limited the role of the Lieutenant¬-Governor, considered an arm of the Centre, over bureaucrats in the capital to three specific areas — public order, police and land.
The Ordinance was promulgated within eight days of the Supreme Court verdict, which had upheld the authority of the Delhi government to make laws and administer civil services in the national capital.

About the Ordinance:

The ordinance seeks to set up a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) for the transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against Group-A officers from services in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

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July 15

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

India’s third lunar odyssey begins with perfect launch:

Why is it in the news?
India’s third moon mission, Chandrayaan¬-3, was successfully launched onboard a Launch Vehicle Mark¬-3 (LVM¬-3) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2.35 p.m. on July 14.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Science and Technology.

Mains: General Studies III – Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Important concepts : Chandrayaan-3

Prelims PYQ Exercise-Find answer:

Q. Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO (2016)
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements related to Chandrayaan-3:
1. Chandrayaan-3 will primarily target the Moon’s northern pole because it has more shadowed space than the southern pole.
2. So far, only three countries have successfully soft-landed on the moon.
How many of the statements given above is /are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Both statements
D. None

Correct answer: A

Explanation: So far, only three countries, the U.S., Russia and China, have successfully softlanded on the moon. Chandrayaan-3 will primarily target the Moon’s southern pole because it has more shadowed space than the northern pole. These regions of the lunar surface may have
a constant supply of water, according to scientists. Additionally, the craters found at the southern pole are of great interest to scientists. They think the cryptic fossil records of the early planetary system may be present in these cold traps.

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July 24

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

1. NIA files chargesheet against nine accused linked to BKI and Khalistan Tiger Force: The Hindu – Page 10

Why is it in news? The NIA on Saturday filed a chargesheet against three “listed individual terrorists” and six others associated with banned terror outfits Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims:
Indian Polity and Governance – Internal Security.

Mains:
General Studies III – Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Important concepts

1.Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
2.National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was set up in 2009 and works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2. The provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) apply only to resident citizens of India.

Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: A

Explanation: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was set up in 2009 under the NIA Act, 2008. It was set up in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) apply also to Citizens of India outside India.

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July 21

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to another location: The Hindu – Page 12

Why is it in news?

The Supreme Court (SC) told the Union government that the deaths ofc 40% of the 20 cheetahs brought from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno National Park (KNP) within a year does not present a good picture.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change

Mains: General Studies III – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Important concepts: Project Cheetah

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Cheetah, bearing the scientific name Acinonyx jubatus is listed as Vulnerable under the
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: A

Explanation: Cheetah, bearing the scientific name Acinonyx jubatus is listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary covers nearly 1197 km2 area across three districts, i.e., Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur, of Madhya Pradesh. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

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July 12

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

Centre’s view on Kashmir situation has no bearing on Article 370 case: SC:

Why is it in news?

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court said a fresh affidavit submitted by the Union government saying Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an “unprecedented era of peace, progress and prosperity” after its special status under Article 370 was abrogated on August 4, 2019, has
“no bearing on the constitutional challenge” to the repeal of the provision.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution

Mains: General Studies II – Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Important concepts: Article 370

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements about Article 370:

1. This article was incorporated in Part XXI of the Constitution.
2. Alladi Krishna swamy Ayyar drafted the Article 370, which granted local autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: A

Explanation: N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar added Article 370 of the Indian Constitution as Article 306 A to the draft constitution, which gave autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The provision was incorporated in Part XXI of the Constitution: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions.

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July 20

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

SC agrees to list pleas to criminalise marital rape before 3-judge Bench: The Hindu – Page 8

Why is it in news?

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to list early a series of petitions seeking the criminalisation of marital rape.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Polity and Governance

Mains: General Studies II – Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary.
Important concepts: Criminalization of marital rape

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements:
1. The marital rape exception was included in IPC in the post-independence period.
2. The Doctrine of Coverture recognizes the individual legal identity of a woman after marriage.
Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: D
Explanation: The IPC was implemented in India during British colonial rule in 1860. Under the first version of the rules, the marital rape exception was applicable to women over 10 years of age which was raised to 15 in 1940. According to the Doctrine of Coverture, a woman has no individual legal identity after marriage. Notably, the Doctrine of Coverture found a mention during the hearing when the Supreme Court of India struck down adultery as a criminal offence in 2018.

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July 11

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

SC issues notice to Centre on Delhi Ordinance, impleads L-G in case:

Why is it in news?
The Supreme Court (SC) recently agreed to hear on July 17 an interim plea made by the Delhi government seeking a stay of Lieutenant¬-
Governor (L¬G) V.K. Saxena’s executive order “firing” 437 independent consultants of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance

Mains: General Studies II – Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Important concepts
National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 Article 239AA

Today’s prelims practice question:

Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Part VII of the Constitution, consisting of Articles 239 to 241 deals with the Union Territories.
2. The 69th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1991 furnished a unique status to the Union Territory of Delhi.

Which among the statements mentioned above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Part VIII of the Constitution, consisting of Articles 239 to 241 deals with the Union Territories.

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July 07

kpsirupsc - July Current Affairs - August 25, 2023

Freedom of expression being misused in Canada by anti-India elements: MEA: The Hindu – Page 1,12

Why is it in news?

Freedom of expression is being “misused” by extremists in Canada to “legitimise terrorism”, said the Ministry of External Affairs.

UPSC SYLLABUS RELEVANCE for prelims and Mains

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains: General Studies II – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Important concepts

Khalistani separatism

Mains PYQ exercise:

Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in 250 words) (2021)

Today’s mains practice question:

Discuss the bilateral relations between India and Canada. What are the challenges in these relations?

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

Khalistani separatism:

Separatism is a political ideology or movement advocating for the separation of a group or region from a larger political entity, often due to cultural, ethnic, or religious differences.
Khalistani separatism was a movement for a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, in Punjab, India, which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Khalistan movement is a Sikh nationalist movement that wants to create an independent state for Sikh people, via armed struggle or political, inside the current North-Western Republic of India, such a state existed in Punjab from 1709 to 1849.
In the 1970s, Sikh separatist organizations began to develop, calling for more political and economic freedom for Sikhs.
As a result, tensions increased as the Indian government cracked down on separatist organizations and detained their leaders.
The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed in the 1970s by the Sikh political party Akali Dal, demanded greater autonomy for Punjab and its Sikh population.
The 1980s saw an increase in violence as security forces brutally retaliated to Sikh militant strikes on government targets. Sikh terrorists attacked the government and the Hindu populace.
This was supported by Inter-services intelligence of Pakistan and led by J S Bhindranwale (a prominent religious figure at that time)
Operation Blue Star was started by the government to drive insurgents out of the Golden Temple compound.
Anti-Sikh riots started after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was killed by her Sikh bodyguards.
The Punjab Accord of 1985 sought to bring about peace and give Punjab and its Sikh population more autonomy, but Khalistan’s problem remained unresolved.
Due to effective counter-insurgency operations and a split among terrorist factions, the insurgency waned in the 1990s.
Sikh gurdwara administration committees were set up for prope administration of Gurudwaras.

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July Current Affairs

Objections overruled, Forest Bill goes to House unchanged:

India’s third lunar odyssey begins with perfect launch:

1. NIA files chargesheet against nine accused linked to BKI and Khalistan Tiger Force: The Hindu – Page 10

Today’s prelims practice question:

SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to another location: The Hindu – Page 12

Centre’s view on Kashmir situation has no bearing on Article 370 case: SC:

SC agrees to list pleas to criminalise marital rape before 3-judge Bench: The Hindu – Page 8

SC issues notice to Centre on Delhi Ordinance, impleads L-G in case:

Freedom of expression being misused in Canada by anti-India elements: MEA: The Hindu – Page 1,12

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